Saving the Urban Honey Bees and Pollinators of Illinois

Monday

Jul 22, 2013 at 11:04 AM

It turns out honey bee colony collapse and the decline of Illinois pollinators cannot be solely blamed on pesticide use according to a Federal study that was just released. Instead there is a complex interaction of environment and genetics involved. A recent federal study exploring the causes of colony collapse disorder has found that a combination of virus, parasites, poor nutrition and lack of genetic diversity to be the cause of the increasing loss of honey bee hives. The study involved University of Illinois entomologist, May R. Berembaum and many of her colleagues in the world of honey bee/pollinator research.

However pesticides are not completely eliminated from the equation. It is when the bees are weakened from the environmental and genetic stresses that they become even more susceptible to pesticide exposure. Berembaum did find hundreds of chemicals in dead bees and recommends a broad approach to solving issues for honey bees and pollinator health.

This study was released just days after the European commission voted to impose a ban on neonicotinoids — thiamethoxam, clothianidin and imidacloprid — in response to environmental campaigners. They stated neonicotinoids posed unacceptable risk to bees. Neonicotinoids are the world’s most widely used pesticides because of their effectiveness and human safety factor. Thiamethoxam and clothianidin are used for seed treatments of agricultural crops where the pesticide protects the plant from the inside out rather as opposed to using the sprays of the past. Imidacloprid is commonly used by homeowners and fruit and vegetable producers to fend off pests like aphids, borers and Japanese beetles. Neonicotinoids have replaced organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids, that also harm honey bees and pollinators. According to the study, pyrethroid could pose three times greater risk to honey bees than the systemic treatments with neonicatinoids.

In conclusion, solving the honey bee and pollinator crisis most likely will not be solved with a ban on neonicatinoid pesticides. Other deficiencies noted in the study could be addressed by homeowners and members of our communities by planting pollinator plants and conserving native pollinators and feral bees. Most believe we all have a responsibility to pollinators and the honey bees because they are so vital to the fruit and vegetable industries. Homeowners can: